(A) The New Castle Police Department is charged with the responsibility for inspecting and registering golf carts. The New Castle Police Department shall also maintain records of the registration of golf carts.
(B) Before registration of a golf cart, the New Castle Police Department shall inspect the golf cart to ensure that it is equipped with each of the following:
(1) Brakes capable of deceleration at the rate of 14 feet per second;
(2) A horn in good working order and capable of emitting a sound audible under normal conditions for a distance of not less than 200 feet;
(3) At least two head lamps on the front of the golf cart, located at a height not less than 24 inches and not more than 54 inches above the roadway;
(4) At least one tail lamp that emits a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, located not less than 20 inches or more than 72 inches from the roadway;
(5) Two red reflectors carried on the rear either as part of the tail lamps or separately, mounted at a height not less than 20 inches and not more than 60 inches and visible from a distance of 100 to 600 feet to the rear when illuminated by the upper beams of head lamps;
(6) Not more than two spot lamps and no more than two fog lamps;
(7) Stop lamps displaying a red or amber light, activated upon application of the foot brake, and visible from a distance of at least 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle;
(8) A muffler (if not an electric-powered golf cart) free from exhaust gas leaks, that is in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive noise;
(9) A rearview mirror that reflects to the driver a view of the road for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the golf cart;
(10) Rubber tires that are free from cracks and/or long term wear;
(11) Four seatbelts, two on the front seat and two on the rear seat, professionally installed and anchored to the vehicle;
(12) A reflective “slow moving vehicle” diamond properly identifying the vehicle or a reflective flag indicating the vehicle to be a “slow moving vehicle”;
(13) A windshield; and
(14) A vehicle identification number.
(C) Before issuing the registration, the operator of a golf cart must be able to show the New Castle Police Department proof of financial responsibility when operating a golf cart. Written proof of financial responsibility must be carried in the golf cart or on the person of the operator of the golf cart at all times the golf cart is being operated.
(D) Before issuing a registration, the owner/operator must display to the New Castle Police Department a valid driver’s license to operate motor vehicles upon the roadways of the city.
(E) The New Castle Police Department shall not register any golf cart that does not meet each of the above referenced enumerated items.
(F) Expiration of the registration. The registration is only valid for a period of 12 months. Upon expiration of the 12-month period, the vehicle again must be presented to the New Castle Police Department for inspection and registration.
(Ord. 3682, passed 10-7-13; Am. Ord. 3682, passed 10-21-13)